Editor, The Times:
My wife Chris and I have owned and operated the Dutch Lake Resort for the past 29 years; we have raised our three daughters here in Clearwater.
As well, I have been involved with Tourism Wells Gray for several years, was a board member for Community Futures in Kamloops for two years and served as a Clearwater District Councillor from 2011 to 2014.
I feel that a detailed strategy needs to be implemented to address the condition of the roadways, particularly our secondary roads, many if which are in dire need of repair.
The intersection at the Wells Gray Inn is another area of concern, with the increased summer and truck traffic, it is essential to lobby the Provincial Government for funding to substantially upgrade this intersection.
Given the challenges of the past two forest fire seasons, it’s also imperative the next council focus on developing a fire-smart town—we must be proactive and build some fire breaks.
I believe our local government should be receptive and responsive, be “open for business” in terms of reducing and eliminating the red tape for people looking to develop land around this community.
In order to ensure the viable future of Clearwater, I feel it’s important that we continue to diversify our economy, to make Clearwater a town where young families want to raise their children; a safe and healthy living community!
Operating the Dutch Lake Resort is very much like running a little town with its water and sewer systems, roads and a mix of facilities.
These are the skills and experience I would like to bring to the Clearwater council and to be your mayor.
Jon Kreke
Clearwater, B.C.